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2. Mindfulness Sutra

The Mindfulness Sutra, in its earliest extant form, dates back to the Pali Canon, preserved in Sri Lanka within a relatively isolated and undisturbed branch of the Theravadan tradition. In some form, however, it is found in every branch of Buddhism – a foundational text conveying a rich resource for Buddhist practitioners at every stage of practice. "Thus have I heard..." this sutra begins. And at the beginning Buddha describes this way of mindfulness, or present moment awareness, as the "one way", the "only way" or the "ultimate way" to overcome suffering and realize freedom. The first step is mindfulness of body, including extensive attention to the breath. Then mindfulness of feelings, consciousness and mental objects -- each defined in conceptual categories specific to Buddhist psychology. In these talks Zoketsu brings a broad understanding of the Pali, Sanskrit, and Chinese sources of the Mindfulness Sutra and their application in the craft of Buddhist practice.